The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has declared that physical fitness is now a non-negotiable requirement for personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), stating that no airman or airwoman will henceforth be considered for promotion without being medically and physically fit.
The Air Chief made the announcement on Tuesday during the Second Quarter Route March of the NAF, held in Abuja.
The event, conducted simultaneously across all NAF bases nationwide, is aimed at reinforcing physical readiness, building morale, and demonstrating the Air Force’s operational preparedness.
Addressing officers, airmen, and airwomen after the march, Air Marshal Abubakar emphasized the critical role of physical fitness in modern military operations.
“Physical fitness is no longer a matter of choice, it is a non-negotiable requirement,” he said. “As a matter of policy, I have directed that all Performance Evaluation Reports must be accompanied with a Physical Fitness Test Certificate. Furthermore, no personnel will be considered for promotion without being medically and physically fit.”
To support this policy shift, the CAS announced that the NAF has commenced the construction of modern sporting facilities across several of its bases and has approved the procurement of advanced gym equipment for over 22 units.
The new equipment, he said, will be distributed and installed in the coming weeks to aid personnel in maintaining peak physical condition.
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The Air Chief used the occasion to draw a connection between the route march and the broader mission of the Nigerian Air Force. “Let today’s route march be a reminder of who we are and what we stand for. Let it rekindle our fighting spirit and reinforce our shared commitment to the defence of Nigeria,” he charged.
Air Marshal Abubakar also reaffirmed the NAF’s unwavering commitment to defending Nigeria’s airspace and collaborating with other security agencies to ensure the safety of all citizens.
“We will continue to defend every inch of our nation’s airspace and stand firm in joint operations to protect lives and property across the country,” he vowed.
In a stern warning to criminal elements, he declared that there would be no hiding place for those who threaten the nation’s peace. “To the enemies of our nation—insurgents, terrorists, and bandits—know this: we are coming for you. We will find you and take you out.”
The CAS also expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast support to the Armed Forces, particularly in areas of operational effectiveness and personnel welfare.
He reaffirmed the loyalty of the Air Force to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, saying, “On behalf of the officers, airmen, and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, I reaffirm our unwavering loyalty to the President.”
The quarterly route march, a tradition within the Nigerian Air Force, is aimed at enhancing endurance, building comradeship, and ensuring that troops remain physically and mentally prepared for the demanding nature of military duties. The exercise also serves as a public demonstration of the NAF’s strength and vigilance in the face of mounting security challenges across the country.
By PRNigeria
